Fishing

Lake Metroparks' aquatic resources bring value to our parks and to Lake County. From the depths of our ponds to the edges of our rivers and streams to the beaches of Lake Erie, Lake County's water resources afford our citizens unrivaled opportunities to enjoy fishing.

Steelhead Fishing

Lake Metroparks provides some of the best public access to Ohio's treasured steelhead streams!

Steelhead fishing in northeastern Ohio has become increasingly popular in the past few years. As the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife has refined its stocking efforts, more and more people are enjoying fishing for these tremendous sport fish. Consequently, it has become increasingly important for anglers to know where they can fish and how to avoid conflicts with private landowners and other river users.

Outdoor enthusiasts recognize the need for recreational users to respect each other and the rights of private landowners. If you are new to the sport or are a long-time steelhead fisherman, make sure that you are fishing on public property or that you have permission from the land owner.

When to Catch a Trophy

Ohio steelhead trout are not native fish to the Great Lakes; however they have been stocked in the eastern United States for more than 100 years. Lake Erie steelhead are reared in hatcheries until they are approximately six to nine inches long and are then introduced into local streams. The young fish (called smolts) make their way into Lake Erie where they grow rapidly.

As fall approaches, the steelhead begin to congregate at the mouths of streams and rivers flowing into the lake. As the rivers swell with the increased flows of the fall and winter, the adult fish begin making their way upstream to spawning areas. They may remain in the streams until well into the spring. Fish returning for the first time are approximately 16 to 19 inches in length. Fish making their third return may be more than 30 inches in length and weigh more than ten pounds. This is the time when a shore angler has the opportunity to catch a Lake Erie trophy.

How to Catch an Ohio Steelhead

Steelhead can be caught by a variety of techniques. A spawn sack drifting under a small bobber with a spinning outfit is very productive. A fly rod with any number of steelhead flies can also be great fun and highly effective. Fishing techniques may change from season to season and with changing water conditions. There are many tackle shops and outfitting stores that can provide excellent information on water quality and recommended gear. There are also a number of very good fishing clubs in northeastern Ohio that provide excellent information and referrals.